Agnipath scheme:
Allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for four years.
Recruits will be called Agniveers.
Annually, 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited; most will leave after four years.
After four years, 25% of the batch will be retained for an additional 15 years.
Eligibility Criteria:
Only for personnel below officer ranks (non-commissioned officers).
Aspirants aged 17.5 to 23 years are eligible.
Objectives:
Provides an opportunity for motivated youth with ‘Josh’ and ‘Jazba’ to join the Armed Forces.
Aims to reduce the average age of the Armed Forces by 4-5 years, bringing it down from 32 to 26 years in 6-7 years.
Benefits for Agniveers:
A one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package of Rs 11.71 lakhs after 4 years, including accrued interest.
Rs 48 lakh life insurance cover for the four years.
In case of death, a payout of over Rs 1 crore, including pay for the unserved tenure.
Support for rehabilitation, skill certificates, and bridge courses for those leaving after four years.
Related Concerns:
Difficult to Find Another Job:
Recruitment is on a short-term four-year contract.
Post-service, 75% of Agniveers will need to seek other employment, potentially falling behind peers in job opportunities.
No Pension Benefit:
Agniveers receive a one-time sum of Rs 11 lakhs after their tenure.
No pension benefits, making it essential for most to find a second job to support themselves and their families.
Training May Remain Unutilized:
Forces may lose experienced soldiers after four years.
The technical training provided may go underutilized as trained personnel leave, creating a potential void.
Significance of Such a Step for the Country:
Future Ready Soldiers: The scheme aims to create “future-ready” soldiers.
More Employment Opportunities: Increases employment opportunities and provides skills and experience that are valuable in various fields.
Higher Skilled Workforce: Contributes to a higher-skilled workforce, aiding productivity and overall GDP growth
With the implementation of the Agnipath system, India's defense policy underwent a substantial reform that changed the armed forces' recruitment procedure. Although the plan has attracted attention and generated discussion, the Agniveers who were recruited meet the required physical criteria, intelligence, and motivation, as evidenced by the scheme's initial implementation. In military operations, human factors continue to be more important than technological improvements. Therefore, in order to ensure that Agniveers adhere to the ethos of unit pride and togetherness, leaders must place a high priority on their character development and psychological well-being.